The US and Israel intensified joint airstrikes on March 7-8, 2026, targeting four oil storage facilities and refineries in Tehran and Alborz province for the first time, igniting massive fires at sites like Aghdasieh depot, Tehran refinery, Shah oil depot, and Karaj storage. These strikes, part of a campaign since February 28 exceeding 3,000 US and 300 Israeli targets, aim to cripple Iran’s military-industrial energy support amid the ongoing war.
Oil Disruptions Fuel Energy Crisis
Attacks on Tondgouyan and Shahran refineries, plus storage in Karaj and Tehran, exacerbate Iran’s blackouts since February 2025, with oil spills reported on Tehran streets and flames visible across skylines. Bloomberg warns of global oil volatility as Iran threatens Hormuz Strait retaliation, potentially spiking prices.
Tehran Nears New Leader Announcement
Strikes follow Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death, with Iran poised to name successor Mojtaba Khamenei as Israeli threats loom; retaliatory IRGC missiles hit Tel Aviv despite defenses. Trump signals diplomacy post-Putin call but vows harsher responses if escalation continues.
